They are providing extra service. Using Plex on mobile is now free for everyone, which is a huge step forward. It’s not a bad trade off for server owners to require Plex pass for remote viewing (which is only necessary if you’re not using a VPN like tailscale for free remote viewing).

I don’t get why people are freaking out over a one off fee to unlock something that has running costs for Plex, which itself isn’t necessary if you just opt for a free VPN client like tailscale.